Magnetic resonance imaging: a wealth of cardiovascular information.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is a relatively new noninvasive imaging modality that provides insight into multiple facets of the human myocardium not available by other imaging modalities. This one test allows for the assessment of ventricular and valvular function, ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, and cardiac tumors. It has been coined by many as "one-stop shopping." As with any imaging modality, it is important to understand not only the indications of the modality but also the patient's perspective and contraindications.